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Are you trying to learn how to care for your wheelchair properly? I will teach you the steps and tools to keep your wheelchair in good shape.
Here is a wheelchair maintenance checklist for you. Check it out!
Check out this Detailed Wheelchair Maintenance PDF that covers just about everything associated with manual wheelchairs.
Below is a quick checklist just for you!
 | 1. Perform Weekly Brakes Check |
| 2. Check the Front Wheels |
| 3. Inspect the Wheelchair Tires |
| 4. Perform Monthly Wheelchair Bearings Checkup |
| 5. Check the Wheel Spokes |
| 6. Do Wheelchair Annual Checks |
Table of Contents
How to Do the Wheelchair Maintenance
1. Perform Weekly Brakes Check
Brakes are critical parts of your wheelchair. You are advised to perform a weekly brake checkup.
If your wheelchair’s brakes are failing or not stopping effectively, you should change them. Get the new brake fittings from a reputable wheelchair dealer.
Note that wet weather affects the smooth functioning of the brake mechanism. So, don’t perform the basic check on wet tires or wheels without the correct air pressure levels.
It is also a good idea to check the brake levers to ensure they don’t wobble excessively. If they are loose, you should tighten the bolt.
Here is a video [1] on how you should perform brake inspection.
2. Check the Front Wheels
You should check that the front wheels are in perfect condition. Otherwise, they may drift to the right or left or become difficult to turn correctly.
Your wheelchair’s front wheels should rotate efficiently and touch the ground. Take your time to adjust to the angle and play to ensure your wheels are flush with the ground.
If you ride on rough terrain, the wheels get damaged. I always double-check the wheel locks and spokes after riding on a bumpy surface for signs of damage.
This video [2] shows you how to check the front wheels.
3. Inspect the Wheelchair Tires
You should always maintain the correct pressure [3]. This keeps your wheelchair functioning properly.
Excess air pressure levels make your tires susceptible to bursting. On the other hand, too low air pressure will make you put a lot of effort into propelling your manual wheelchair.
To check the pressure, press down firmly with your thumb. If your tire presses down for more than 5 millimeters, inflate it. Check your tire pneumatic pressure weekly.
You should also inspect the tire cushion and cover. Remove the cover to check both the cushion and the cover itself. Look for holes or tears in the cover. Make sure you check the zip, too.
Now check the cushion for contour and shape. If there are defects in the cushion or cover, you need to change them. Do the wheelchair tire inspection weekly.
Don’t miss our other related articles, including “Understanding the Different Parts of the Wheelchair” and “Tips for Using Wheelchair Climbing Stairs.”
Inspect your wheelchair tires following this video [4].
4. Perform Monthly Wheelchair Bearings Checkup
Your wheel bearings wear out through frequent use. I usually detect malfunctioning bearings through unusual noises or knocking sounds.
Perform the checkups by lifting one of the wheels from your wheelchair and giving each a great spin. Your wheels should spin freely and stop evenly. Do the checkup every month.
If the wheel stops rapidly, the bolts holding the wheel bearing are too tight. If the wheel spins backward after completing the rotation, you should tighten the bolts.
Here is a video [5] on how to perform a wheelchair bearings checkup.
Here’s even more info on Wheelchair Bearings
5. Check the Wheel Spokes
Check the wheel spokes from the rim to the axle to ensure they are intact, not loose or bent. If they have loose connections, your spokes will eventually break or bend.
Check this video [6] on how to check the wheel spokes.
6. Do Wheelchair Annual Checks
You should perform a full service annually. An annual check helps detect any hidden issue that may get bigger with time. This helps you avoid high repair costs in the long run.
Your authorized wheelchair repairer can do the checkup and perform all the necessary repairs, as shown in this video [7].
Things You Need for a Complete Wheelchair Maintenance Check
Wheelchair maintenance tools help you perform high-quality work on any part. You need to have the required tools to make the work easier. Some of the tools include:
1. Spoke wrenches.
Spoke wrenches are essential tools for maintaining and adjusting the tension of the spokes on a bicycle or wheelchair wheel. Here are the key reasons why they are so important:
- Wheel Truing: Spoke wrenches are used to true (straighten) a wheel by adjusting the tension of individual spokes. Properly tensioned spokes ensure the wheel remains round and true, preventing wobbling or deformation, which can affect the wheel’s performance and safety.
- Maintaining Structural Integrity: Evenly tensioned spokes distribute the load evenly across the wheel, maintaining its structural integrity. A well-tensioned wheel is more resilient to impacts and less likely to suffer from broken spokes or other damage.
- Enhancing Ride Quality: Properly tensioned spokes contribute to a smoother ride by reducing vibrations and improving the wheel’s ability to absorb shocks. This is particularly important for ensuring comfort and stability, whether on a bicycle or a wheelchair.
2. The Walewale Multitool.
The Walewale bike multitool is a compact and versatile gadget, offering 16 essential features in one small package. It functions as an emergency micro workshop, providing everything you might need during an adventure.
Made from durable Chromium-vanadium steel, this multitool is stronger and more reliable than standard carbon steel tools, ensuring it can withstand heavy use. Despite its robust construction, it remains lightweight at only 4.5 oz, making it easy to carry in your bag or pocket.
This handy multitool includes a range of functions such as a spoke wrench, ruler, various sizes of wrenches, and different types of screwdrivers, including Allen, Torx, slotted, and cross-shaped.
Designed with ergonomics in mind, its comfortable grip and smooth edges make it safe to use, while its stylish design adds a touch of modernity to its practical functionality.
3. Bearing axle spoke gauge.
This spoke tension meter is made from high-quality aluminum alloy with CNC manufacturing and surface anode hard oxidation, ensuring durability and resistance to deformation. It provides precise and reliable measurement of spoke tension, allowing for accurate adjustments and maintenance of all types of spokes, including round, flat, and various wheel sets.
The tool operates simply by pressing the handle, positioning the spoke between the pins, and releasing the handle. It’s ideal for building or repairing wheels and diagnosing wheel problems. The package includes a spoke tensiometer, spoke wrench, tension table, and thickness gauge, offering all the tools needed for accurate spoke measurement and correction.
4. Bearing setter.
Streamline your wheel bearing repairs with this 10-piece race and bearing installation kit, designed for seamless operation across a variety of sizes. Engineered for enhanced durability, this tool kit prevents damage to both the race and axle housing, ensuring long-lasting performance.
The kit includes clear instructions and allows for quick, efficient installation, taking only minutes to use. With a convenient carrying case to keep tools organized and protected, this kit makes installing bearings on cars, small trucks, motorcycles, and more easy and efficient.
5. Tire repair kit.
The tools you need depend on your model and other maintenance needs.
You need to invest in the most critical set of tools needed. However, your service provider can help with the more expensive tools since they invest in all the tools needed regardless of your model.
Assemble and store a set of tools that you will need for maintenance and other emergencies.
Factors to Consider When Doing Wheelchair Maintenance
Read User Manual
Consider the guide provided by your user manual. This ensures you follow the correct procedure to handle the wheelchair parts, the type of battery to use, and the tools needed.
If you have issues and you can’t understand the user manual, contact your service provider for the proper maintenance procedure.
Check our review of the best wheelchair accessories.
DIY vs. Professional Maintenance
Consider whether you can do a DIY wheelchair maintenance or hire a professional. You can perform simple checkups, but contact your dealer for major repairs for an annual checkup and other complex tasks.
FAQs
Does my wheelchair need servicing?
Yes. Your wheelchair should be serviced to ensure it works at optimal levels for a long time.
How often should wheelchairs be serviced?
You should do wheelchair servicing annually. But do weekly maintenance.
Do wheelchairs need to be oiled?
All your wheelchair folding joints should be lubricated annually. If you live in a humid area and use a wheelchair frequently, you can oil more often.
Can I perform DIY wheelchair maintenance?
Yes, you can if you have skills and basic tools. However, for more complex servicing, work with a certified service dealer.
Conclusion
The wheelchair maintenance checklist provided can help you perform proper wheelchair maintenance. Keeping it well-serviced enhances its functionality and helps reduce repair costs.
As you can see, it isn’t hard because the process involves basic steps and the use of basic tools. However, your wheelchair dealer comes in handy to ensure the maintenance work is done perfectly.
What do you think of this wheelchair maintenance checklist? Let us know below!
